Turns out ‘touching grass’ boosts body image and life satisfaction

By Stephen Beech

Regular contact with nature leads to higher levels of life satisfaction, according to new research.

And we have our bodies to thank for unlocking the benefit, say scientists.

Previous studies have shown that spending time in the natural world — such as a country walk or forest bathing — can improve mental well-being.

But the mechanisms underpinning the benefits have not been previously fully understood.

The new research analyzed responses from more than 50,000 people, aged 18 to 99, from 58 countries, making it the largest multinational study of its kind ever conducted.

The study showed that contact with nature helps people develop more positive body image, and the increased "body appreciation" that is responsible for greater life satisfaction.

The findings, published in the journal Environment International, applied to all ages and gender identities.

Study lead author Viren Swami says the link between spending time in nature and positive body image itself is underpinned by two pathways.

He said: "First, the research demonstrates that nature contact is associated with higher self-compassion, which in turn promotes greater body appreciation and life satisfaction."

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He says nature provides opportunities for what psychologists describe as "cognitive quiet" — a state of awareness where our attention is effortlessly engaged.

Swami explained that the gentle sights and sounds of natural environments allow deliberation without mental strain, which helps people to display kindness towards themselves.

He said: "A second pathway identified in the study focuses on how spending time in nature helps people feel restored.

"Busy urban environments often require constant focus to manage competing demands such as traffic, noise and crowds, which can lead to mental fatigue.

"In contrast, tranquil natural environments encourage mindful thinking and help the brain recover."

The study found that feeling restored after spending time in nature is also associated with greater body appreciation, which in turn results in greater life satisfaction.

Swami, of Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, said: "We know that spending time in nature is good for our mental and physical health, but this study highlights one important way in which those benefits translate into greater life satisfaction.

"In particular, our findings highlight how being in nature is linked to greater self-compassion and a stronger sense of restoration. Both of these are associated with more positive body image and, ultimately, improved life satisfaction."

He added: "What is striking is how consistent these patterns are across countries, ages and gender identities, suggesting that connecting with nature helps people build positive relationships with their bodies in ways that are deeply rooted in human psychology.

"At a time when many countries are searching for affordable ways to improve well-being, our findings highlight the value of natural environments as important public health resources and reinforce the importance of using scientific evidence to shape planning, education and health policies."